2026 NFL Mock Draft: Two Round- Cody Zeeb 3.0

We’re less than a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place April 23-25th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Las Vegas Raiders have been on the clock for some time, but with Fernando Mendoza locked in as the top pick. All eyes are on the New York Jets at pick No. 2. Today, we’ll dive into the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, with my Mock Draft 3.0.

Since my mock draft 2.0 came out after the start of free agency, there have been a few small moves. The most notable ones are Kyler Murray signing with the Minnesota Vikings. A move that proves to me the team is more in it to win it now than anything. Travis Kelce signed a three-year deal, although that’s more likely a money move than a signal he’ll play that long. Jalen Waddle was also traded to the Denver Broncos. Signaling the Dolphins rebuild more than we already thought. Along with the Broncos adding the biggest piece they were missing, a star wide receiver.

The Waddle trade included the Dolphins getting pick No. 30 in the first round from Denver. In my previous mock, I had the Broncos selecting Denzel Washington, the wide receiver from Boston College. If you are keeping track, that leaves five teams now that do not have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Jaguars, Falcons, Colts, Packers, and now Broncos. The Rams traded away their pick, but they still hold the Falcons first round pick from a trade during the 2025 Draft.

This mock draft does not include any projected trades; I only use real trades that have already taken place. When I mock, I make the picks as I go down the board, being conscious not to “save” someone for a specific team.

#		Team	Pick	Pos	College
1	Raiders	Raiders	Fernando Mendoza	QB	Indiana
			This is the one pick that was never going to change. Mendoza to the Raiders is all but signed, sealed, and delivered to the commissioner already. The National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner will have Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty awaiting his arrival. Some guy named Tom Brady will be there to help train him as well.
2	Jets	Jets	Arvell Reese	LB	Ohio State
			The Jets need help, and a lot of it. Luckily, they have a lot of capital this year and next. Reese can play both linebacker and edge, and will be a trustworthy player that the Jets would love to get their hands on. Reese is an elite prospect.
3	Cardinals	Cardinals	Francis Mauigoa	OT	Miami
			It’s back-to-back Hurricanes in the top three. The Cardinals cut Kyler Murray and need to rebuild this team. Is it Brisset? Or is it Minshew starting this year? Either way, the focus is on the future. With Paris Johnson on the left side, Mauigoa would be a plug-and-play tackle to start opposite Paris Johnson and immediately improve this line.
4	Titans	Titans	Ruben Bain	ED	Miami
			The Titans made some solid moves in free agency, but they need a lot of help on defense. Defense is new head coach Robert Saleh’s specialty. Bain gives them arguably the best edge rusher in the Draft and an anchor end to build their defensive line around. Bain is the real deal.
5	Giants	Giants	Spencer Fano	OT	Utah
			Many have the Giants taking the wide receiver Carnell Tate here, and with the departure of Wandale Robinson, that could certainly happen. But they need to protect Jaxson Dart going forward, and Fano can anchor the right side of the line for years to come. Having Andrew Thomas on the left side and Fano on the right sets Dart up for what the Giants hope is a long career.
6	Browns	Browns	Carnell Tate	WR	Ohio State
			The Browns lucked into Tate still being on the board here. Who’s playing quarterback? Nobody knows, but with Fannin and Tate to throw to, it might give that quarterback a chance. Cleveland could use a star wide receiver, and Tate can fit that bill. This isn’t a “quick fix” despite hiring an old man at head coach. Get a star player here as you find a quarterback to throw to him.
7	Commanders	Commanders	Caleb Downs	S	Ohio State
			The Commanders did a great job of addressing the offensive line and edge rushing positions in free agency. Now they can turn their attention to other positions of need. Their safeties were their next biggest weakness last season, and Downs has the range to play box safety, free safety, and slot. His football IQ is extremely high, and he’s just what Washington needs.
8	Saints	Saints	David Bailey	ED	Texas Tech
			The Saints were a possible Jeremiyah Love team, but with the signing of Travis Etienne, they can focus on the needs. Bailey has an elite first step, that advanced pass-rush arsenal, a high motor, and he’s versatile.
9	Chiefs	Chiefs	Kenyon Sadiq	TE	Oregon
			Sadiq impressed with his blazing speed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.40 40-yard dash. With the Chiefs snagging Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, they can add Sadiq at tight end as the heir apparent to Travis Kelce. Pairing them up with Sadiq as the next great for Mahomes to throw to. Has my fantasy football bones rattling!
10	Bengals	Bengals	Peter Woods	DT	Clemson
			Defense, defense, defense, should be the focus for the Bengals again this year. Their offense is loaded, and they’ve got some great young pieces on defense. Woods has the speed, agility, and strength to make him dangerous in the middle of the defensive line.
11	Dolphins	Dolphins	Mansoor Delane	CB	LSU
			The Dolphins are in need of some defensive backfield help. Delane could easily be a top 10 pick, and the Dolphins will be happy if he’s still on the board. He’s a lockdown corner and immediately upgrades their defensive backfield.
12	Cowboys	Cowboys	Keldric Faulk	ED	Auburn
			The Cowboys are still possibly in on the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes, and they traded for Rashan Gary, which will be huge. They need a lot of help there, and if Faulk is still on the board. At an imposing 6’6” 285lbs, Faulk wreaked havoc on SEC offensive lines at Auburn.
13	Rams	Rams	Jordyn Tyson	WR	Arizona State
	Via ATL		The Rams traded away the 29th pick, but still have #13 via the Atlanta Falcons. They were hot and heavy chasing AJ Brown and clearly have a window to win a ring here. Placing Tyson on this dangerous offense as an X receiver opposite Devonte Adams, letting Puka work the middle. He’ll be a real threat.
14	Ravens	Ravens	Jeremiyah Love	RB	Notre Dame
			I had Love in this spot in 1.0, and I’m sticking to it. Will Love fall this far in real life? It’s hard to say, but it looks a lot more likely with Kansas City and New Orleans filling their roles. A 1-2 punch of Love and Derrick Henry would be dangerous. With Love as the heir apparent to the King’s throne. Love is clearly the best running back in this draft class and lines up to be a great one for years to come.
15	Bucs	Buccaneers	Cashius Howell	ED	Texas A&M
			Pass rusher is the biggest need for the Buccaneers and deserves to be addressed with their first pick. In Howell, they get an ideal speed rusher who is lightning quick and has an arsenal of pass-rushing moves. Howell had 27 sacks over his five-year collegiate career, 25 of those over the last three seasons. He was also the 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
16	Jets	Jets	Makai Lemon	WR	USC
	Via IND		The Jets addressed the linebacker/pass rusher at pick #2 with Arvell Reese, the versatile Ohio State player. Now they turn to the offensive side of the ball and give Garrett Wilson a running mate. Lemon is a refined route runner with excellent hands and great ability to make plays after the catch. He’ll be a great addition for Geno Smith and whoever the Jets turn to down the road.
17	Lions	Lions	Kadyn Proctor	OT	Alabama
			The Lions need help at offensive tackle, and Dan Campbell can’t pass up on a physical specimen like this. Proctor, a giant 6’7” 336lbs tackle, would be a great fit. He’s flexible and can move inside or stay outside wherever the Lions need him to be.
18	Vikings	Vikings	Olaivavega Ioane	OG	Penn State
			The Vikings went interior offensive line in the first round last year, and they’ll do so again with this pick. Donavan Jackson has worked out well, and they need to continue to shore up the line to protect JJ McCarthy up the middle. Ioane would be a day one starter and is an excellent run blocker and pass protector.
19	Panthers	Panthers	Emmanuel McNeil	S	Toledo
			McNeil has been mocked near the top 10 by some, and was 29th in mock 1.0. He moves up to 19 here to address maybe the biggest need by the Carolina Panthers. McNeil is a tall safety who is physical, versatile, and ball-hawking.
20	Cowboys	Cowboys	Sonny Styles	LB	Ohio State
	Via GB		Funny enough, I had Styles going to the Cowboys at pick #12 in Mock 1.0. He slides here just based on team needs, and the Cowboys' scoring their edge helps with Kendrick Faulk at 12. They get more defensive help here in Styles. He’s versatile, a great open field tackler, and could turn into the defensive signal caller for an NFL team real quick. Styles is just 21 years old, but already more than an elite prospect. He got near the combine record with a 43.5-inch vertical.
21	Steelers	Steelers	CJ Allen	LB	Georgia
			Quarterback is the obvious big need for Pittsburgh, but there is just nobody worth taking here. Allen is said to have a high football IQ and would be the perfect leader to strengthen this Pittsburgh defense.
22	Chargers	Chargers	Akeem Mesidor	ED	Miami
			The Chargers' window is now with this Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh pairing. Mesidor is a little older as he was a sixth-year senior, but that just means he’s ready to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact in Los Angeles. That’s exactly what the Chargers need.
23	Eagles	Eagles	Tj Parker	ED	Clemson
			The Eagles lost Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers, and they only have two edge rushers under contract. Parker is an edge with elite handwork, an uncanny ability to strip the ball, and reads the rushers extremely well. He’ll immediately improve the Eagles' pass rush and edge of their defense.
24	Browns	Browns	Monroe Freeling	OT	Georgia
	Via Jags		The Browns picked up big-play receiver Carnell Tate earlier in the first round. Now, with the Jaguars' selection, they grab Freeling to give whoever is playing quarterback time to deliver the ball to Tate. Freeling might just be the best pass blocker in the draft. He’s an upgrade to the Browns' offensive line.
25	Bears	Bears	Caleb Banks	DT	Florida
			The Bears need to address some key defensive pieces. They’ll be happy if Banks makes it to them here at 25. The 6’6” 330lbs defensive tackle from Florida is “massive, explosive, and versatile.” He's the perfect candidate to replace Andrew Billings.
26	Bills	Bills	Kevin Concepcion	WR	Texas A&M
			If Concepcion is still on the board, how do the Bills not take him? They have got to get Josh Allen more playmakers. DJ Moore was a solid addition, but this receiver room could use more. Concepcion could be that guy. He's a dynamic player whose speed gives him the ability to separate on the outside. It’s a great fit at 26.
27	49ers	49ers	Omar Cooper Jr	WR	Indiana
			Probable #1 pick Fernando Mendoza recently compared his top receiver in college to Debo Samuel. What could the 49ers use? Their next is Debo Samuel. It appears clear Brandon Aiyuk won’t be returning. Mike Evans is a beast, and great short-term addition, but the 49ers need help at wideout. They’ll add the National Champion receiver here at 27.
28	Texans	Texans	Emmanuel Pregnon	OG	Oregon
			The Texans' defense is elite, and they are pretty set at playmakers. This is a great opportunity for them to upgrade their offensive line and offer CJ Stroud some much-needed protection. Pregnon’s hand placement lands early, and his anchor against power is elite.
29	Chiefs	Chiefs	Jermod McCoy	CB	Tennessee
	Via LAR		McCoy slid farther than normal, and the Chiefs would be extremely happy to see him on the board. After grabbing the Travis Kelce replacement earlier, they get to grab Trent McDuffie’s replacement with one of the picks they got when they traded him.
30	Dolphins	Dolphins	Denzel Boston	WR	Washington
	VIA DEN		The Dolphins acquired this pick in the Jaylen Waddle trade and they’ll get his replacement here. At 6’4”, 210 pounds, Boston is a “big X” receiver for Miami to build around for years going forward.
31	Patriots	Patriots	Caleb Lomu	OT	Utah
			We all saw the Super Bowl. The Patriots need more help on their line. Morgan Moses is getting pretty old, and I’m not convinced Will Campbell is cut out to stay at left tackle. Either way, Lomu can play right tackle with the possibility of moving to the left side later on if they need.
32	Seahawks	Seahawks	Zion Young	ED	Missouri
			The Super Bowl Champions still have Uchenna Nwosu and DeMarcus Lawrence, but both are expensive and older. Young gives them a “young” guy with a solid succession plan to anchor the pass rushing of this elite defense for years to come.

After Baltimore and Kansas City surprised with skill position players in the first round, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers grab quarterbacks, while Seattle replaces their Super Bowl MVP.

#		Team	Pick	Pos	College
33	Jets	Jets	Ty Simpson	QB	Alabma
			The Jets went linebacker and wide receiver in the first round. Now they get an opportunity to draft the second best quarterback in the Draft. Simpson can sit behind Geno Smith and learn before he starts.
34	Cardinals	Cardinals	Cashius Howell	ED	Texas A&M
			Arizona went offensive line in round one; now, they’ll turn to their next biggest need, which is edge rusher. Cashius Howell is an intelligent pass rusher with a quick trigger.
35	Titans	Titans	Jacob Rodriguez	LB	Texas Tech
			Arizona went offensive line in round one; now, they’ll turn to their next biggest need, which is edge rusher. Cashius Howell is an intelligent pass rusher with a quick trigger.
36	Raiders	Raiders	Chase Bisontis	OG	Indiana
			Fernando Mendoza goes number one. Now it’s time to keep working on upgrading his protection. The Raiders grab Chase Bisontis here. Bisontis is a guard, but he’s played at tackle before and can be moved around if needed.
37	Giants	Giants	Anthony Hill Jr	LB	Texas
			The Giants have plenty of needs, so there are a few ways they could go here after getting an offensive tackle in the first round. Hill is athletic and well-rounded; he’d be a solid fit for this defense.
38	Texans	Texans	Christen Miller	DT	Georgia
	via WAS		This Houston defense is already scary. Now, you drop in this 6’4” 320-pound beast to anchor the middle. Miller is explosive, powerful, and disruptive. He’d be a great plug up the middle of this defense.
39	Browns	Browns	Blake Miller	OT	Clemson
			The Browns couldn’t pass on Carnell Tate in the first, now they get someone to block for whoever will be throwing the ball to Tate in the years going forward.
40	Chiefs	Chiefs	Malachi Lawrence	ED	UCF
			Kansas City has a lot of early draft capital, and they are using it well. After addressing tight end and defensive back, they’ll take care of the pass rush here at pick 40, arguably their biggest need in this draft.
41	Bengals	Bengals	Jake Golday	LB	Cincinatti
			Defense, defense, defense. Cincinnati needs to keep building their defense and Golday. From Cincinnati to Cincinnati is the perfect pairing for this hybrid linebacker.
42	Saints	Saints	Chris Bell	WR	Louisville
			It’s a reunion with one of Tyler Shough’s favorite teammates at Louisville. Bell would be the perfect No. 2 to Chris Olave, and comes with that built-in experience with Shough.
43	Dolphins	Dolphins	Keylan Rutledge	OG	Georgia Tech
			Miami is in full-on rebuild mode. That includes the inside of their offensive line. They’ve already secured receiver and defensive back help; this is the next step in keeping the rebuilding moving.
44	Jets	Jets	Gabe Jacas	ED	Illinois
	Via DAL		After securing help at linebacker and taking a stab at quarterback, the Jets are back on the clock. They could use some major help at pass rusher. Lucas brings size, length, and power to the Jets.
45	Ravens	Ravens	Domonique Orange	DT	Iowa State
			The Ravens couldn’t pass up Jeremiah Love in the first round, and now they’ll do the opposite and grab a strong run stopper for the defensive line. “Big Citrus” is a great fit in Baltimore.
46	Bucs	Buccaneers	Josiah Trotter	LB	Missouri
			The Buccaneers go back-to-back, strengthening their defense after the edge selection in round one. The son of an NFL legend, Trotter has a high motor and physical play style. Todd Bowles will love him in Tampa.
47	Colts	Colts	Derrick Moore	ED	Michigan
			The Colts traded their first-round pick to the Jets to acquire Sauce Gardner and bolster their defensive backfield. That makes pick No. 47 their first of the 2026 draft, and they’ll stick to addressing the defensive side of the ball here.
48	Falcons	Falcons	Chris Brazzell	WR	Tennessee
			At 6’5 ", 200 lbs, Chris Brazzell is the perfect fit for this scheme to play opposite Drake London. Is it Tua, or is it Penix? Either way, they just got a new toy for an already deadly offense.
49	Vikings	Vikings	Jadarian Price	RB	Notre Dame
			The Vikings make a bit of a surprising move here, but they really could use more help at running back. With Aaron Jones getting older and Jordan Mason not the dominant force, Minnesota go off book here and bolsters their offensive backfield production with Price.
50	Lions	Lions	Kaden McDonald	DT	Ohio State
			McDonald is generally seen as a late first-round pick, but he’s slipped in this mock due to his size. The Lions jump on him here, Dan Campbell with love to have a guy fired up about falling, and the Lions get a steal here.
51	Panthers	Panthers	Max Iheanachor	OT	Arizona State
			After going safety in the first round, its offensive tackle here for the Panthers. Iheanachor has the size, speed, and athleticism to anchor this Panthers line for years to come.
52	Packers	Packers	Brandon Cisse	CB	South Carolina
			This is the Packers' first pick after acquiring Micah Parsons with their first-rounder last year from the Dallas Cowboys. Corner other biggest need, and with Cisse on the board, it’s a good fit. Cisse is a physical High-IQ player who would be a great fit in Green Bay.
53	Steelers	Steelers	Garrett Nussmeier	QB	LSU
			Pittsburgh makes the call here. They’ll re-sign Aaron Rodgers or bring in Kirk Cousins for the short term, but Nussmeier is a player I'm very high on, and outside of Mendoza, has the highest ceiling in this draft. The Steelers have the man of the future.
54	Eagles	Eagles	Caleb Tiernan	OT	Northwestern
			Tiernan is a massive tackle, checking in at 6 '7". He is powerful, athletic, and, most importantly, he is versatile. The Eagles can move him around their offensive line where he is needed, and that’s something big for a team with championship aspirations.
55	Chargers	Chargers	Sam Hecht	OG	Kansas State
			The Chargers go interior offensive line with their second pick here. Keep protecting Justin Herbert and open up the run game up the middle. This Chargers team will be a force in 2026.
56	Jaguars	Jaguars	Gracen Halton	DT	Ohio State
			This is the Jaguars' first pick of 2026, after trading up to grab Travis Hunter in last year’s draft surprise. Jacksonville is short on depth and needs help getting pressure on the quarterback. Halton can help them with that up the middle.
57	Bears	Bears	Dani Dennis-Sutton	ED	Penn State
			The Bears pick here, and again in four picks. They went with an interior defensive line in the first, and they strengthened their defensive line even more here. Dennis-Sutton is a tough high-floor run defender who is also strong in pass rushing.
58	49ers	49ers	Gennings Dunker	OT	Iowa/b>
			Dunker is a big, physical run blocker who can play guard or right tackle. Gennings and George Kittle, a former Iowa player, are a match made in hair heaven.
59	Texans	Texans	Emmet Johnson	RB	Nebraska/b>
			Johnson may be the steal of the draft. And he’s the perfect fit for this Texans offense. Johnson was almost all of Nebraska’s offense last year, behind a horrendous offensive line. He’s explosive, strong, and has big-play ability.
60	Bills	Bills	AJ Haulcy	S	LSU
			Ben Johnson goes defense for a third straight pick to kick off this draft. Haulcy is physical and described as an enforcer. He’ll slide right into Dennis Allen’s defense.
61	Rams	Rams	Dametrious Crownover	OT	Texas A&M
			Crownover is an under-the-radar guy who has a lot of talent and, more importantly, a lot of potential. Putting him on a solid team like the Rams would be gold for Crownover’s development.
62	Broncos	Broncos	Eli Stowers	TE	Vanderbuilt
			The Broncos are the last team who will make their first pick, after acquiring Jaylen Waddle with their first rounder. They go all in on offensive playmakers, grabbing the tall tight end here and giving Bo Nix plenty of options.
63	Patriots	Patriots	Germie Bernard	WR	Alabama
			Bernard is quick and can line up inside and outside. The Patriots need more receiver help, even after the addition of Romeo Doubs in free agency. Bernard is a great fit for the Patriots here.
64	Seahawks	Seahawks	Mike Washington	RB	Arkansas
			The Seahawks need to replace Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. There is also uncertainty on when Zach Charbonnet will be back. Washington is a great mix of speed and power. He’s a great fit for the Super Bowl Champions.